Ghana’s traditional authority-led effort to resolve the long-standing Bawku conflict has reached a critical milestone, with the Asantehene formally submitting his mediation report to President John Dramani Mahama and urging all parties to honour its findings in the interest of national peace.
Presenting the report at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, December 16, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II underscored that his role throughout the process was strictly non-adjudicatory. He said from the outset, the feuding sides were made to understand that he would neither apportion blame nor pronounce judgment.
“I’m here not to give a judgement as to who was wrong or right. I am here to present the facts as they are for us to have peace. It is almost about two and a half year since your predecessor invited me to mediate in a major conflict in Bawku that had become a major threat to the security of the nation,” the Asantehene said.
Otumfuo stressed that the strength of the mediation lies in the willingness of all stakeholders to accept its outcome as final. He explained that the report reflects positions and concerns raised during extensive engagements and should therefore guide the next phase of peacebuilding.
“I report the facts as they are and it should be binding on all of us, whoever is involved,” he stated, adding that his task was to create space for dialogue and accurately document the issues to support lasting peace.
Handing over the document, the Asantehene said responsibility now shifts to the President and his administration to determine the appropriate course of action.
“By the Grace of God, we are able to assemble here to present to Your Excellency the report of the mission you entrusted to us. We present the report for your kind consideration and whatever action you and your government consider appropriate,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to President Mahama and former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for entrusting him with the sensitive assignment, noting that the mandate was renewed shortly after the change in government to ensure continuity.
Clarifying the scope of his involvement once again, Otumfuo reiterated, “I’m here to present the facts as they are for us to have peace. I’m not here to give a judgment as to who was right or wrong. The report should bind on all of us. I have explained to the various parties. It was mediation, not arbitration.”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was appointed earlier this year by President Mahama to lead mediation efforts to end the decades-old chieftaincy dispute between the Kusasi and Mamprusi factions in Bawku. The talks, which began in April and resumed in May after a brief suspension, have contributed to a period of relative calm in the conflict-prone area.
Meanwhile, heightened security measures remain in force as government studies the recommendations. Following advice from the National Security Council, a curfew from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am has been extended in Bawku and surrounding communities, alongside a continued ban on the possession of arms and offensive weapons imposed by the Interior Ministry, as authorities work to maintain stability during the decision-making process.
